Michael Chmielecki

On the surface, the laminate category may seem fairly unchanged. Consumers are still snapping up wide-width products and they remain enamored with dark wood grains and hand-scraped finishes. Also, as evidenced by the popularity of laminate inspired by African, Brazilian and Asian hardwood species, they still can’t seem to get enough of exotics.

The search for new money-making ideas has led a growing number of flooring retailers to take up window shopping. Many who have expanded their inventory to include a display of window fashions – including blinds, shutters and shades – say the strategy offers a few advantages. Aside from bringing in consumers looking for a one-stop solution to home furnishings, it gives shoppers immediate mix and match possibilities.

Mohawk’s recent Floorscapes convention carried the theme “72 Hours of Innovation.” That no-nonsense title was in keeping with the meeting itself. Rather than focusing on new products and displays, the event held last month in Dallas was focused on one key issue: training.

Carpet makers are on a mission: they want to save the world. Minimizing their environmental footprint has become the new benchmark of forward-thinking corporate leadership in virtually every area of the flooring business. Those involved say it can be a costly, uphill struggle at times, but the evidence suggests consumers are responding.

In an industry that increasingly favors fashionable looks over cookie-cutter designs, it is no surprise that Surfaces is aiming to draw more designers and architects to the show. To that end, show organizers are offering a focused slate of events with an eye toward giving design professionals the best tools to maximize their time at Surfaces, scheduled for Feb. 7-9 at the Sands Convention & Expo Center in Las Vegas. Called the Designer/Architect Show Package, the multi-day program includes targeted workshops and seminars, a special keynote luncheon with famed decorator Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz and a networking reception geared specifically to the A&D community.

Laminate may be a snap to install but even those who work with it every day will tell you it is not an easy segment to pin down. Manufacturers and retailers agree that laminate flooring is still experiencing a growth spurt, but beyond that opinions are divided.

Cork flooring may be popping up in some places like tiny bubbles shimmering up a champagne flute, but is it time for manufacturers in the category to pop open a bottle and celebrate? That depends on who you ask and where they are located.

It was 20 years ago that a small but determined group of flooring retailers gathered together to form what would one day evolve into one of the most highly respected retail co-op groups in the industry: Flooring America (and Flooring Canada). Now, the first-ever Global Summit hosted by the group's parent company, CCA Global Partners, seems a fitting occasion to recognize the retail co-op's milestone anniversary.

Hardwood is an area of flooring that gives designers almost unlimited possibilities. The precise manner in which the boards are cut and sanded can give a room a distinct personality, as unique as the person who crafted it.

The indoor/outdoor rug segment continues to grow, and nowhere was that more evident than at the Atlanta International Area Rug Market held in July.